As businesses, insurance companies look out for their bottom line, often leading to them using stalling tactics to delay or diminish your claim. Understanding these maneuvers is crucial to safeguarding your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
From recognizing unnecessary document requests to dealing with policy misinterpretation, learn how to stand firm and ensure your claim moves forward smoothly, backed by insights from our skilled Lake Charles personal injury lawyers.
Common insurance company delay tactics
Insurance companies might use various strategies to delay claims processing. Awareness of these tactics can help you prepare and respond effectively, potentially reducing unnecessary delays in settling your claim.
1. Requesting unnecessary documentation
One of the most common delay tactics is requesting excessive, often unnecessary, documentation. Insurers may ask you to submit more paperwork, which they claim is essential to processing your claim. This can be frustrating and time-consuming.
| How to respond: Always provide the necessary documents to support your claim promptly. Keep detailed records of all the documents you have submitted and when you submitted them. If you feel the documentation requests are excessive, ask the insurer to explain why each piece of documentation is necessary. |
2. Frequent changes in claims adjusters
Insurance companies may frequently change the claims adjuster handling your case. Each new adjuster might then restart the claims review process, claiming they need to get “up to speed,” which can significantly delay the resolution of your claim.
| How to respond: When a new adjuster is assigned to your case, document the change and request an update on the current status of your claim. Maintain a record of all communications to help ensure continuity. |
3. Claiming miscommunication
Insurers often claim that there was a miscommunication or that they never received certain information as a tactic to delay the claim. This can lead to repeated requests for the same information.
| How to respond: Use certified mail or electronic communications with read receipts for all correspondence. Keep copies and records of all communications, including dates and a summary of phone conversations. |
4. Delaying payment after claim approval
Even after a claim is approved, some insurers delay issuing the payment. They might cite internal processing delays or incomplete banking information as reasons.
| How to respond: Once your claim is approved, inquire about the expected timeline for the payment and follow up regularly. Ensure all your bank details or any other necessary information for payment processing are correct and have been received by the insurer. |
5. Alleging policy misinterpretation
Insurers might interpret the language in your insurance policy to allow them to delay or minimize your claim. They may allege that certain conditions were not met or that particular clauses prevent them from processing the claim swiftly.
| How to respond: Review your insurance policy thoroughly. Consult with a legal professional, such as The Johnson Firm, who can clarify policy language and ensure that the insurer adheres to the terms. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 22, insurers must act in good faith and fair dealing. If you suspect your insurer misinterprets the policy to delay your claim, your attorney can address this legally. |
Did insurance deny your claim? We can help.
At The Johnson Firm, we are well-versed in insurance company delay strategies and can provide the guidance and representation needed to ensure your claim is handled fairly and promptly. If you are stuck in a cycle of delays with an insurance company, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to protect your rights and resolve your claim promptly. Contact us online or call (337) 433-1414 today.